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Saint Mary's Matthew Dellavedova talks about Olympic basketball run

By Ben EnosContra Costa Times

Posted:
09/10/2012 10:21:34 AM PDT

Updated:
09/10/2012 12:13:39 PM PDT

MORAGA -- Matthew Dellavedova pauses between bites of lunch to think of an answer.

School recently reconvened in Moraga and the reigning West Coast Conference player of the year has returned to campus after a summer spent as part of the Australian national team that reached the quarterfinals of the London Olympics.

"It was awesome," Dellavedova said. "It was one of my dream goals, ever since I was a little kid. To be able to go to the Olympics and represent your country, it doesn't get any better than that."

Dellavedova wasn't just a member of the team. He started all six games for the Boomers in London, averaging 7.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. His best moment likely wasn't even a statistic, as Dellavedova set the screen that freed former Saint Mary's star Patrick Mills to hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to beat Russia.

And then there was the quarterfinal matchup against the United States. Australia lost 119-86, but only trailed by 2 midway through the third quarter and Dellavedova acquitted himself well against the likes of Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant.

It wasn't the first time Dellavedova found himself across from NBA-level talent. As a member of the Boomers in 2011, Dellavedova participated in games against France and Spain. That meant playing against the likes of Tony Parker and the Gasol brothers.

"Last year's experience was really good for me as well," Dellavedova said. "Playing against Tony Parker and the Spanish national team and things like that. I think it was a step up, so it was a good experience to play against them."

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Dellavedova said his best non-basketball memories from London were walking with Australia in the opening ceremonies and getting a chance to watch Jamaican star Usain Bolt win the 200-meter dash.

But, with that over and classes back in session, Dellavedova is taking time to enjoy a simple lunch break. He grabbed a quick meal from the school cafeteria, munched while he stopped by McKeon Pavilion to do a round of interviews, then headed promptly back to the library to do some studying.

The typical college life for an atypical college athlete.

Dellavedova remains the same old kid as he enters his senior season. Of course, that isn't to say things aren't different from when he first joined the Gaels in 2009.

But the shine of stardom hasn't changed Dellavedova. He's back for his senior season, looking to put a cap on a career that should finish among the best, if not the best, in school history.

He'll do so with the same unassuming qualities he's always had.

That includes getting to know new teammates, while at the same time beginning to plan for how the Gaels will adjust to the loss of important pieces in Rob Jones, Clint Steindl and Kenton Walker II.

It's a work in progress at this early date, with practice time limited and new students focused on adjusting to school.

"Each team develops its own sort of identity throughout the season. You can't have it developed by now," Dellavedova said. "Our goal definitely is to win conference again and then do something in the (NCAA) tournament. We know it's going to be hard to win conference again but that's our goal, so that's what we're working toward right now."

But leading has always come naturally, and Dellavedova's got plenty of time to figure it all out.

For now, he's content to soak in the atmosphere as he readies for one last go-round with the Gaels.

"Last year, after the season, I was driving into school and it was a nice day and I thought when I eventually go off to wherever, I'll miss this," Dellavedova said. "Just driving into campus. It's such a nice place. All the people here are really cool and that's what makes the place special."